Anaerobic cycling power output with variations in recumbent body configuration

While the recumbent cycling position has become common for high-performance human-powered vehicles, questions still remain as to the influence of fami liarity on recumbent cycling, the optimal riding position, and how recumben t cycling positions compare to the standard cycling position (SCP). Eight r ecumbent-familiar cyclists and 10 recreational control cyclists were compar ed using the 30-s Wingate test in 5 recumbent positions as well as the SCR For the recumbent positions, hip position was maintained 15(circle) below t he bottom bracket while the backrest was altered to investigate body config uration angle (BCA: the angle between the bottom bracket, hip, and a marker at mid-torso) changes from 100(circle) to 140(circle) in 10(circle) increm ents. Between-groups analysis found that only 4 of the 126 analyzed paramet ers differed significantly, with all trends in the same direction. Therefor e both groups were combined for further analysis. Whole-group peak power (1 4.6 W/kg body mass) and average power (9.9 and 9.8 W/kg body mass, respecti vely) were greatest in the 130(circle) and 140(circle) BCA positions, with power dropping off as BCA decreased through 100(circle) (peak = 12.4 W/kg b ody mass; avg. = 9.0 W/kg body mass). Power output in the SCP (peak = 14.6 W/kg body mass; avg. = 9.7 W/kg body mass) was similar to that produced in the 130(circle) and 140(circle) recumbent BCA. Average hip and ankle angles increased (became more extended/plantar-flexed), 36(circle) and 10(circle) , respectively, with recumbent BCA, while knee angles remained constant. Th e lower extremity kinematics of the 130(circle) and 140(circle) BCA were mo st similar to those of the SCP. However, SCP hip and knee joints were sligh tly extended and the ankle joint was slightly plantar-flexed compared to th ese two recumbent positions, even though the BCA of the SCP was not signifi cantly different. These findings suggest: (a) the amount of recumbent famil iarity in this study did not produce changes in power output or kinematics, (b) BCA is a major determinant of power output; and (c) recumbent-position anaerobic power output matches that of the SCP when BCA is maintained, eve n though lower extremity kinematics may be altered.